‘Pickles’ pulls out of Rock Hill mayoral race, says clown business is thriving

Ahead of the October 15 municipal election in Rock Hill, an anticipated candidate for mayor has withdrawn her interest from politics.

Barbara Jean Emery, known to some as ‘Pickles DaClown,’ announced on her public persona’s Facebook page Thursday that she will not run for mayor.

“Not that I am not smart enough or that my occupation to some of you is a joke,” Emery wrote, explaining her decision. “My occupation is the best way I found to put my God-given talents together to run a very successful business.”

Emery, 48, told WRHI she never filed paperwork to officially run for office.

The filing period for the October municipal election opened July 17 and closes August 16 at 5 p.m.

Other city seats up for election this fall include council seats representing Wards 4, 5 and 6.

Word of Emery’s interest in local politics was first made public in June. Since then, Emery said her clown business started booming and went, “around the world.”

“My popularity got a huge boost,” Emery said. “I am booked literally all over the place. My calendar is filling fast for the remainder of the year.”

Asked if she would be seeking a further interest in politics, Emery said she will seek a more indirect route towards improving the community.

“I am planning to find time to attend some public meetings. I want to become a voice for the people.”

Emery’s lack of interest for the seat leaves incumbent Doug Echols as the lone candidate, as of now, to seek the mayor’s office. Echols launched his campaign for re-election June 5.

“Hey,” Emery said. “I had the guts to want to be mayor and say that I was a clown.”